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Mazda5

1355 messages,  Last post on Nov 10, 2009 at 8:21 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA5, Wagon


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#957 of 1355
More on seat covers by fowler3
Jun 23, 2006 (5:30 pm)
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More on seat covers:
 
I checked the Yellow Pages for my area, the Triad in NC, and found several places that make seat covers. Look in the Yellow Pages in your location for general listings: Automobile Seat Covers and/or Automobile Trim and Upholstering. Many shops that do body repair also do trim and leather kit installations, but I would think those who specialize in seats would do a better job.
 
If leather is what you want find the shop that installs kits from Classic Soft Trim, http://www.classicsofttrim.com for higher quality leather than OEM. They have two grades.
 
For those who want fabric seat covers look for the listings above.
 
Recalling the last time I had worn seats recovered the shop did not replace the old fabric and vinyl bolsters with new material, which is what I expected them to do. They removed the worn seat covers and sewed new fabric and vinyl over them. This saved time in having to cut to the pattern of each piece and provided a stronger base for the new materials. Less stretch less apt to wear out again. And you pay for only the material used.
 
Here is how you, or the shop, can avoid the side airbag problem with new covers.
 
1) Use the OEM seat cover fabrics and have the shop put new fabric (if you are changing color and pattern) on just the face of the seats, the topside of seats and backrests.
 
2) Leave the black fabric on the sides as-is so that the covers will match the side airbag points. You will buy less fabric and make it easier to cover all six seats in one day.
 
3) Like leather kits, full seat covers would cover the seats entirely including the black felt-like materail Mazda puts on the folding seat backs for carrying cargo (middle and back rows). You want to keep this. But if you want the seat backs to match the seat fronts in color or harmonizing pattern -- then use commercial grade loop pile carpeting and replace the black felt fabric. Cheaper carpet would have thinner backing material making it easy to just sew it over the felt.
 
4) If you want the gray fabric panels on the doors to be changed to the new seat fabric this would be extra cost, but it would also be a good time to upgrade door-mounted speakers while the panels are off. Whle the seat cover shop works on the seats remove one speaker and take it to an audio shop for size and mounting points. Install the new speakers before the guys put the door panels back on. Saves labor costs later.
 
Also for people in the north with cold winters, use the same idea of saving the OEM seat fabrics and have real or faux fleece sewn on. Old idea becomes new again.
 
Getting the panels off sliding doors can't be easy.
 
I have a cousin who lives in New Mexico where anything Western is popular. He had his pickup truck seats recovered in a Navajo pattern for the inserts with the side bolsters in a solid suade-like cloth.
 
fowler3
#961 of 1355
Looking for a fun family wagon.......... by murphy4
Jun 24, 2006 (8:29 pm)
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Just about to end a nightmare experience with a Ford Freestyle and saw a Mazda5 in the mall parking lot. We have 2 small children, dog and always seems to have alot of gear.
  
Can the 4 cylinder auto handle the family or is the best bet the manual? It seems to be roomy inside.....does it have room for 3 in the back seat if you have 2 child seats??
  
Any feedback is appreciated.......
#963 of 1355
Re: Looking for a fun family wagon.......... [murphy4] by bobw3
Jun 25, 2006 (9:08 am)
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Replying to: murphy4 (Jun 24, 2006 8:29 pm)

What was wrong with your Freestyle? I have over 33K miles and zero problems. Just so you know, the Mazda5 has only 2 seats in the 2nd row.
#964 of 1355
Re: Looking for a fun family wagon.......... [bobw3] by murphy4
Jun 25, 2006 (9:52 am)
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Replying to: bobw3 (Jun 25, 2006 9:08 am)

June 24th -- 9:20am
  
Our Ford Freestyle is still sitting at the dealer. The parts came in twice last week. Both times they arrived damaged. They are now going to see if Ford will authorize a new transmission. This is a joke, they need "authorization" because the dealer does not want to be out any money. Instead they are out a customer and someone how will never recommend them or Ford again.
  
We are done, the car is going to sit their until we get closure from Ford Motor Company. The car has been at the dealer 25 days in the last 60 days. We are currently contacting the Ford Zone Manager because the Dealer's General Manager decided to take vacation and "deal with us later".

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